Downlink communication

ABSTRACT

A method for conserving bandwidth in a communication system includes spreading a data frame using a first pseudo-noise (PN) spreader. A broadcast frame is spread using a second PN spreader. A complex data stream having a first component and a second component is generated. The data frame is assigned to the first component and the broadcast frame is assigned to the second component. The complex data stream is transmitted to a tag.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present application relate to the field ofcommunications. More specifically, exemplary embodiments relate todownlink communication in a slot-based communication system.

BACKGROUND

A number of modulation techniques have been developed for facilitatingcommunications in a network where multiple users are present. Suchtechniques include code division multiple access (CDMA), time divisionmultiple access (TDMA), and frequency division multiple access (FDMA).CDMA is a spread-spectrum technology that uses pseudo-random numbersequences to modulate incoming data, multiple transmitters transmittingon the same signal, and orthogonal codes (Walsh codes) to correlatedifferent communication channels. TDMA uses time slots to coordinatemultiple uplink transmitters that are transmitting in the samesub-slots. Users transmit in rapid succession, one after the other, eachusing his/her own time slot, allowing multiple stations to share thesame transmission medium (e.g., radio frequency channel) while usingonly a portion of the total available bandwidth. FDMA allocatesdifferent users with different carrier frequencies of the radiospectrum.

In addition to modulation techniques, protocols exist for determininghow network devices respond when two devices attempt to use a datachannel simultaneously (called a collision). CSMA/CD (Carrier SenseMultiple Access/Collision Detection) is used by Ethernet networks tophysically monitor the traffic on the line at participating stations. Ifno transmission is taking place at the time, the particular station cantransmit. If two stations attempt to transmit simultaneously, thiscauses a collision, which is detected by all participating stations.After a random time interval, the stations that collided attempt totransmit again. If another collision occurs, the time intervals fromwhich the random waiting time is selected are increased step by step.This is known as exponential back off.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment uses a random phase multiple accesscommunication interface. The interface can communicatively connect tosystems and devices using spread spectrum modulation methods without theuse of orthogonal codes.

An exemplary random phase multiple access communication interfacecommunicatively connects systems and devices using spread spectrummodulation methods. The random selection of chip (or timing) offsets asa multiple access scheme allows for non-coordinated data transmissionwithout needing to be assigned a unique “code.” All users transmit usingthe same PN (pseudo noise) code such that a PN array despreader at theaccess point can be used. If two signals are received at the accesspoint at the same PN offset (or the sum of the PN offset with thetransmission delay in number of chips yields the same value for 2 ormore transmissions), then a “collision” has occurred and it may not bepossible to demodulate these 2 or more signals. The randomization oftiming offsets each time means that any “collisions” that occur onlyoccur during that frame. A retransmission scheme and a new randomizedoffset is used to get through in a subsequent attempt.

An exemplary embodiment includes a transmitter at the tag (uplink) and amethod of transmitting signals from the tag to an access point. Each tagincludes its own transmitter which transmits information in the form offrames. A frame can be formed from information provided on a channelhaving a fixed data rate. The data can be spread using the samepseudo-noise (PN) code, and can have a randomly selected chip offset.The transmitter also applies frequency rotation and sample clockcorrection to match the reference oscillator of the access point. Aplurality of tags is associated with a single access point to form thenetwork. Each of the plurality of tags transmits information using thesame PN code along with a randomly selected chip offset. The phase israndomly selected each frame over a large number of chips (i.e., 8192).

Another exemplary embodiment includes a transmitter at an access point(downlink) and a method for transmitting signals from the access pointto the tags. The access point transmitter can be similar to that of thetags. However, the access point transmitter uses a unique PN code foreach of the tags with which it communicates. The use of distinct PNcodes for each tag provides security and allows each tag to ignoresignals which are directed toward other tags. The frames transmitted bythe access point also include a preamble of approximately 9 symbols toallow for rapid acquisition at the tags.

Another exemplary embodiment includes a demodulator at the tag and amethod for demodulating signals received by the tag. An automaticfrequency control (AFC) derotator multiplication is applied to signalsreceived at the tag. The AFC derotator multiplication is a 1 bit complexoperation with a 1 bit complex output such that gate count is improved.The tag uses a PN array despreader that takes advantage of the hugecomputational savings in the 1 bit data path.

Another exemplary embodiment includes a demodulator at the access pointand a method for demodulating signals received at the access point. Theaccess point demodulator has capacity to simultaneously demodulateseveral thousand or more links received from tags. To demodulate such alarge number of links, the access point demodulator includes a PN arraydespreader.

Another exemplary embodiment includes synchronization of the tag with amaster timing of the access point. The access point can periodicallytransmit a broadcast frame. During a ‘cold’ timing acquisition, the taguses its PN despreader to analyze the broadcast frames and identify themaster timing of the access point. Cold timing acquisition is expectedto occur one time when the tag is first introduced into the system.After the initial cold acquisition, the tag can perform a ‘warm’ timingacquisition each time the tag wakes up to transmit or receive a signal.The warm timing acquisition utilizes less power than the cold timingacquisition.

In at least one exemplary embodiment, each tag separately generates a PNcode. A gold code is an example of a PN code that is parameterizablesuch that each user has its own. As such, only data destined for aparticular user is visible to it. Using unique PN codes, a tag does notprocess data that is not its own.

An exemplary method for communicating through a multiple accesscommunication interface includes receiving a first signal from a firsttag, where the first signal is spread using a predetermined pseudo-noise(PN) code, and further where the first signal includes first payloaddata. A second signal is received from a second tag. The second signalis spread using the predetermined PN code, and the second signalincludes second payload data. The first payload data from the firstsignal is identified at least in part with a PN array despreader. Thesecond payload data from the second signal is also identified at leastin part with the PN array despreader.

An exemplary system for communicating through a multiple accesscommunication interface includes a first tag, a second tag, and anaccess point. The first tag has a first transmitter configured totransmit first payload data in a first signal, wherein the first signalis spread using a predetermined pseudo-noise (PN) code. The second taghas a second transmitter configured to transmit second payload data in asecond signal, wherein the second signal is spread using thepredetermined PN code. The access point is in communication with thefirst tag and the second tag and includes a receiver and a despreadarray. The receiver is configured to receive the first signal and thesecond signal. The despread array is configured to despread the firstsignal and the second signal.

An exemplary access point for use in a multiple access communicationsystem includes a processor, a receiver in communication with theprocessor, and a transmitter in communication with the processor. Thereceiver is configured to receive a first signal from a first tag,wherein the first signal includes first payload data, and furtherwherein the first signal is spread using a predetermined pseudo-noise(PN) code. The receiver is also configured to receive a second signalfrom a second tag, wherein the second signal includes second payloaddata, and further wherein the second signal is spread using thepredetermined PN code. The transmitter is configured to transmit a thirdsignal to the first tag, wherein the third signal is spread with asecond PN code, and further wherein the second PN code is specific tothe first tag.

An exemplary method for conserving bandwidth in a communication systemis provided. The method includes spreading a data frame using a firstpseudo-noise (PN) spreader. A broadcast frame is spread using a secondPN spreader. A complex data stream having a first component and a secondcomponent is generated. The data frame is assigned to the firstcomponent and the broadcast frame is assigned to the second component.The complex data stream is transmitted to a tag.

An exemplary access point is also provided. The access point includes aprocess and a transmitter operatively coupled to the processor. Theprocessor is configured to spread a data frame using a firstpseudo-noise (PN) spreader. The processor is also configured to spread abroadcast frame using a second PN spreader. The processor is furtherconfigured to generate a complex data stream having a first componentand a second component, where the data frame is assigned to the firstcomponent and the broadcast frame is assigned to the second component.The transmitter is configured to transmit the complex data stream to atag.

An exemplary computer-readable medium is also provided. Thecomputer-readable medium has computer-readable instructions storedthereon that, upon execution by a processor, cause an access point tospread a data frame using a first pseudo-noise (PN) spreader. Thecomputer-readable instructions also cause the access point to spread abroadcast frame using a second PN spreader. The computer-readableinstructions also cause the access point to generate a complex datastream having a first component and a second component, where the dataframe is assigned to the first component and the broadcast frame isassigned to the second component. The computer-readable instructionsfurther cause the access point to transmit the complex data stream to atag.

These and other features, aspects and advantages will become apparentfrom the following description, appended claims, and the accompanyingexemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, which are briefly describedbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting an uplink transmitter according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a downlink transmitter according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting slot structures and assignments in anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a PN (pseudo noise) despread array in anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting operations performed in the tagprocessing of a broadcast channel from a cold start in an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting operations performed in the tagprocessing of a dedicated channel from a warm start in an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram depicting a tag receive data path in an exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting time tracking in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram depicting an AFC (automatic frequency control)rotation in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a dedicated communication finger in anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting operations performed during accesspoint receive processing in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting an access point receive data path in anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram depicting asynchronous initial tag transmitoperations in an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram depicting interactions between an access point anda tag in a slotted mode according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram depicting data transfer between an access point anda tag according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating contents of a complete slot inaccordance with a first exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating contents of a complete slot inaccordance with a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a fundamental downlink slot in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating preamble frame processing inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data sub-slot hierarchy inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21A illustrates a fundamental downlink slot with a plurality ofsub-slots in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 21B illustrates a fundamental downlink slot with a single slot inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed to constructa frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a downlink transmission model inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to theaccompanying drawings. It should be understood that the followingdescription is intended to describe exemplary embodiments, and not tolimit the invention defined in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an uplink transmitter 10 which includes structuressuch as a convolution encoder, an interleave module, a modulator, apseudo-noise spreader, a filter, a bank of taps, an automatic frequencycontrol (AFC) rotator, and other such structures. These structuresperform operations depicted in blocks 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22. Thetransmit path of uplink transmitter 10 is a coded and spread spectrumwaveform. In an exemplary embodiment, the uplink transmitter 10 can beincluded in a tag that communicates with an access point along withother tags using demodulated communication channels. Additional, fewer,or different operations may be performed by the uplink transmitter 10depending on the particular embodiment. The operations may also beperformed in a different order than that shown and described. As usedherein, a tag can refer to any communications device configured toreceive signals from and/or send signals to an access point. The accesspoint can refer to any communications device configured tosimultaneously communicate with a plurality of tags. In an exemplaryembodiment, the tags can be mobile, low power devices which run off abattery or other stored power, and the access point can be located in acentral location and receive power from a power source such as a walloutlet or generator. Alternatively, the tags may plug into an outletand/or the access point may run off of a battery or other stored powersource.

In block 12, a data stream is received by a convolution encoder andinterleave module. In one embodiment, the data stream is 128 Bitsincluding the preamble. Alternatively, data streams of other sizes maybe used. Once received, the data stream is encoded using the convolutionencoder. In an exemplary embodiment, the data stream may be encoded at arate of ½. Alternatively, other rates may be used. The data stream canalso be interleaved using the interleave module. An encoded symbolsstream is output to a block 14 in which a differential binary phaseshift keying (D-BPSK) modulator is used to modulate the encoded symbolsstream. In alternative embodiments, other modulation schemes may beused. At block 16, the modulated stream is applied to a PN spreader. Inan exemplary embodiment, the PN spreader can use a common network goldcode channel using a selected spreading factor. The spreading factor canbe a member of the set {64, 128, 256, . . . , 8192}. Alternatively, anyother code and/or spreading factor may be used. Each of the tags at agiven spreading factor is spread by the same PN code with a randomlyselected chip offset. The large range of possible randomly selected chipoffsets increases the probability that a particular frame will notcollide (or, in other words, have the same chip timing at the accesspoint) with another frame from another transmitter. The probability ofcollision in the limit of approaching capacity may become non-negligible(˜10% or less) and can be solved via retransmission of the same frame ata differently drawn random offset. The PN spreader is described in moredetail below with reference to FIG. 4. In an exemplary embodiment, anoutput of block 18 can have a rate of 1 bit at 1 mega-chip per second(Mcps). Alternatively, other rates may be used.

At block 18, the data stream is upsampled by a 4× oversample filter andtime tracking logic is used to ensure that all of the frames land at thesame sample rate consistent with the frequency reference of the AP.Block 18 receives a sample slip/repeat indicator as an input. In oneembodiment, an output of block 18 may have a real frequency ofapproximately 4 megahertz (MHz). At block 20, an automatic frequencycontrol (AFC) rotation is done including a frequency offset to match theaccess point's timing offset, ensuring that all of the frames from allof the users lands near the same frequency hypothesis. In oneembodiment, an output of block 20 may have a complex frequency ofapproximately 4 MHz. At block 22, a delay is imposed from the start slotuntil the correct access slot occurs. In addition, a random chip delayis imposed on the signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the random chipdelay can be from 0 to the spreading factor minus 1. Alternatively, adifferent random chip delay may be used. The slot access can bedescribed by A(i,j) where i is related to the spreading factor as2^(13−i) and j is the sub-slot number corresponding to non-overlappingslots. Depending upon the selected spreading factor, there are generallymultiple transmit opportunities in a given slot. For the uplink, theaccess slot can be randomly selected along with a chip offset from 0 tospreading factor minus 1. As such, the probability of collision betweenuplink users is minimized, while allowing for re-selection for caseswhere there are collisions. After the signal has been delayed, thesignal can be transmitted to an access point.

FIG. 2 illustrates a downlink transmitter 30 including structures suchas a convolution encoder, an interleave module, a modulator, apseudo-noise spreader, a filter, a bank of taps, and other suchstructures. Using transmitter 30, the access point (AP) transmitsmultiple channels each destined for a particular tag or user. Thesestructures perform operations depicted in blocks 32 through 54. Blocks32 to 40 and blocks 42 to 50 represent distinct data paths that can bereplicated for additional data flows. In an exemplary embodiment, blocks32-38 can perform operations similar to the operations described withreference to FIG. 1 on a first data stream. Similarly, blocks 42-48 canperform operations similar to the operations described with reference toFIG. 1 on an nth data stream, where n can be any value. The input toblock 36 can be a gold code specific to the tag which is to receive thefirst data stream, and the input to block 46 can be a gold code specificto the tag which is receive the nth data stream. Alternatively, othercodes such as a broadcast gold code, a non-gold code, or other may beused to spread the first data stream and/or the nth data stream. Theoutput of block 38 and/or block 48 can be weighted in blocks 40 and 50in case the data links corresponding to the first data stream and thenth data stream are of unequal power. Once weighted, the paths aresummed in a block 52. A hard decision is also made in block 52 where allpositive numbers are mapped to 0 and all negative numbers are mappedto 1. Alternatively, a different hard decision may be made. In oneembodiment, an output of block 52 may have a rate of 1 bit at 10 Mcps.Alternatively, other rates may be used. The sum output from block 52 isupsampled using a 4× chip filter in block 54. In one embodiment, anoutput of block 54 can have a real frequency of 40 MHz. Alternatively,other frequencies may be used. Not shown is a transmission on anadjacent frequency that is a single set of broadcast frames at a maximumdownlink spreading factor of 2048. Alternatively, a different maximumdownlink spreading factor may be used.

FIG. 3 illustrates slot structures and assignments. In at least oneembodiment, data stream 70 includes slot 72, slot 74, and slot 76. Slot72 is an AP-to-tags communication, slot 74 is a tags-to-APcommunication, and slot 76 is an AP-to-tags communication. In anexemplary embodiment, each of the slots can have a duration of 2.1seconds. Alternatively, any other duration may be used and/or differentslots may have different durations. The data stream 70 can beimplemented in a half-duplex communication scheme such that at any giventime, either the AP is transmitting and the tags are receiving, or thetags are transmitting and the AP is receiving. In alternativeembodiments, other communication schemes may be used. As shown in FIG.3, data channel 80 depicts processing gain options for data in slot 72.If a data link closes at a particular gain, the tag only needs to beready to receive (in AP to tags mode) during the duration of the slotwith the corresponding gain. In transmit mode, the slot selectiongoverns the transmission from the tag to the access point such that thetag can minimize its on time in the power consuming transmit mode. Forexample, a gain of 18 dB only needs a 1.6 ms slot (A_(7,0)). Datachannel 82 depicts processing gain options for data in slot 74. As canbe seen, the power used by a tag can be selected such that each datalink arrives at the AP at the same power.

There is a symmetry between processing a large number of simultaneouswaveforms on the AP side, and the processing of the relative fewwaveforms on the tag side. Automatic frequency control (AFC),time-tracking drift, and frame timing are known on the AP side due tothe fact that the AP is the master of these parameters. However, AFC,time-tracking drift, and frame timing may be determined at acquisitionon the tag side. The PN array despreader performs the brute forceoperation associated with both, which is an efficient implementation forexploring acquisition hypothesis/demodulating. Another aspect of this isthat this large power-consuming circuit (when active), though runningcontinuously on the AP (which shouldn't matter because it can be pluggedinto the wall), is only running during a “cold” acquisition on the tagwhich should happen rarely. Cold acquisition and warm acquisition aredescribed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively.

FIG. 4 illustrates a PN (pseudo noise) despread array, which facilitatesboth the acquisition of a single waveform on the tag, and brute-forcedemodulation of multiple waveforms on the AP. In an exemplaryembodiment, the PN despread array can perform a 1 bit dot product ofmany chip-spaced timing hypotheses simultaneously.

A PN despread core element can be a simple counter that is incrementedor not incremented each clock depending on whether the input is a 0 ora 1. Since it is a complex data path, there are two counters: one for 1(in-phase) and one for Q (quadrature-phase). Multiplication by a complexexponential is generally a set of 4 rather large scalar multipliers(4×1000 gates is typical) coupled to a complex exponential table. Incontrast, a one bit complex multiplier is basically a simple truthtable, such as the example table shown below, where the negative denotesthe inverse (0→1 and 1→0). This truth table can be implemented usingjust a few gates.

Phase 0 1 2 3 I′ I −Q −I Q Q′ Q I −Q −I

FIG. 4 depicts a PN despread array 100. There can be many instantiations(e.g., 256 or more in one embodiment) of pairs of counters for thecomplex despread operation. The PN despread array 100 can be fed at chiprate with adjacent instantiations of PN despread elements 102, 104, and106 working on timing hypotheses that are a chip apart. The 1 bitcomplex data is sent from a block 114 to elements 102, 104, and 106where it is combined with a PN signal from PN generator 110. PN signalgenerator 110 can be hardware that outputs the same sequence of 0s and1s with which the AP is spreading the data. In the case of element 102,the derotated data is combined (more specifically, 1 bit complexmultiplied) with the PN signal at a combiner 122 a. Real and imaginaryparts of this combination are separately input into counters 118 a and120 a. The counters 118 a and 120 a shift the bit stream out uponreceipt of a reset signal 112. More specifically, the data in thecounters is valid just prior to the reset signal. The reset signalforces zeros into both counters. The multiplexer 108 allows for outputof the currently valid counters for that finger that has uniquelyfinished its despreading operation at that particular clock. Otherelements in the PN despread array 100 operate similarly. Element 104receives derotated data from block 114 and combines it with a PN signalafter a delay is imposed by delay block 116 a in element 102. Thecombination is entered into counters 118 b and 120 b, which gets shiftedout of the counters upon a signal from the reset signal 112 with animposed delay from a delay block 124 a. Likewise, element 106 receivesderotated data from block 114 and combines it with a PN signal after adelay is imposed by delay block 116 b in element 104. The combination isentered into counters 118 c and 120 c, which gets shifted out of thecounters upon a signal from the reset signal 112 with an imposed delayfrom a delay block 124 b.

After a number of clocks corresponding to the spreading factor, the PNdespread element 102 has valid data which is selected for output by amultiplexer 108. Every clock thereafter, the adjacent despread element104 or 106 is available until all data has been output which can occurduring the number of clocks corresponding to the spreading factor plus anumber of PN despread instantiations. The PN code that governs theoperation of this mechanism can be a gold code parameterized by a value.In alternative embodiments, other PN codes may be used.

FIG. 5 illustrates operations performed in the tag modem processing of abroadcast channel to demodulate the access point's transmit waveform.Additional, fewer, or different operations may be performed depending onthe particular embodiment. The operations may also be performed in adifferent sequence than that shown and described.

Upon the initial power-up of the tag, no parameters are known regardingthe waveform except for the broadcast channel PN sequence (e.g., theparticular gold code or other code parameter). Additionally, the tag maynot know with sufficient precision what the relative frequency offset isbetween the AP and the tag due to oscillator variance between the AP andthe tag. FIG. 5 depicts a scanning mode where the range of uncertaintyof parts-per-million (ppm) drift between the AP and the tag areexplored. In an operation 150, an iteration is made over two slots toenable the tag to tune to a broadcast channel. For example, processingcan begin asynchronous to slot timing. During exploration of one half ofthe hypotheses, the broadcast channel can be active, and duringexploration of the other half of the hypothesis the broadcast channelcan be inactive. In a first iteration, all hypotheses can be exploredusing a first slot timing with an asynchronous starting point. If noenergy is found in the first iteration, a second iteration is performed.In the second iteration, the asynchronous starting point can have a oneslot offset from the asynchronous starting point used in the firstiteration. As such, hypotheses that were explored while the broadcastchannel was active can be explored while the broadcast channel isactive. Once the energy is found, the tag can tune to the broadcastchannel. In an exemplary embodiment, operation 150 can represent astarting point for ‘cold acquisition.’ In an operation 152, a coarseautomatic frequency control (AFC) is initialized. In one embodiment,this initial value is set to a most negative value such as −10 ppmoffset. Using a known gold code generated PN sequence for the broadcastchannel, in an operation 154, non-coherent metrics for all C×4 spacedhypotheses for a given coarse AFC hypothesis are calculated. Forexample, if the spreading factor has a length of 2048, the non-coherentmetric for 8192 hypotheses can be calculated.

In operations 156 and 158, the coarse AFC hypothesis is incrementeduntil the end of the ppm range. For each coarse AFC hypothesis, thehardware depicted in FIG. 7 is used to undo the frequency offsetrepresented by the current hypothesis. The PN despread array is used togenerate the despread output of 8 successive symbols. Alternatively,other numbers of symbols may be used. A non-coherent sum of these 8symbols is then calculated. A set of N (8 in the one embodiment) topmetrics along with their associated parameters are maintained in a datastructure. As the flowchart of FIG. 5 indicates, the entire range ofoscillator ppm uncertainty along all the timing hypotheses at chip×4resolution are explored with the expectation that the winning (i.e.,valid) one will be represented in the data structure. Along with themost valid hypothesis there generally tends to be lesser multi-pathreflections, adjacent AFC coarse frequency hypotheses where appreciableenergy accumulation is still present, as well as entirely invalidhypotheses that have generated anomalously large metrics due to noisevariance.

The non-coherent metrics for all chip×4 timing hypotheses for eachcoarse AFC can be communicated to a data structure. In an operation 160,the data structure keeps track of the greatest non-coherent metrics(e.g., coarse AFC value, chip×4 timing hypothesis, non-coherent metricvalue). The “finalists” are assigned to the N dedicated fingers in anoperation 162. Each finger may be uniquely parameterized by a chip×4timing value and a coarse AFC hypothesis which is independent of thecurrent coarse AFC hypothesis governing the PN despread array. Sinceframe timing is initially unknown, each despread symbol that is outputby the dedicated finger is hypothesized to be the last in the frame.Thus, the buffered 256 symbols undergo differential demodulation and anadditional set of iterations based on multiplying by a constant complexvalue to perform fine AFC correction, as shown in operations 164 and166. An output of operation 164 can be a complex cross product from eachdedicated finger. In operation 166, a symbol-by-symbol multiplication bya constant complex rotation (as determined by the fine AFC hypothesis)can be iteratively applied to a postulated frame of information todetermine which (if any) of the selection of complex rotation constantvalues uncovers a frame which passes a cyclic redundancy check (CRC).This can be a brute-force operation where a cyclic redundancy check(CRC) may be performed for each hypothesis. For any valid CRC, a payloadfrom the signal can be sent to MAC, and network parameters can beconsidered to be known.

In an operation 168, other slot timing hypothesis are tried. In anexemplary embodiment, the coarse AFC hypotheses associated with the mostsuccessful CRCs can be nominal starting coarse AFC hypotheses. Once theentire range of coarse AFC hypothesis are explored, the tag notes avariable called Nominal_Coarse_AFC which is the relevant stateinformation used in future transactions which greatly narrows the rangeof coarse AFC hypothesis searches because the part-to-part variation ofoscillator ppm deviation is much larger than the oscillator drift overthe coarse of a minute or so.

FIG. 6 illustrates operations performed in the tag processing of adedicated channel from a warm start which is to say where relevant stateinformation is known. For example, frame timing can be known and a muchtighter range of coarse AFC hypothesis may be explored. The modem beginsits processing sufficiently early so that valid finger assignments aremade prior to the end of the 9 symbol preamble. Alternatively, any othernumber of symbols may be used.

In an operation 200, there is no need to iterate over a two slot timinghypothesis because the frame timing is known. Instead of using abroadcast channel, a dedicated channel is used. In an operation 202, acoarse AFC hypothesis is scanned. In an exemplary embodiment, the coarseAFC can be scanned over a small range to account for small frequencydrift since the last time accessed. Using a known gold code generated PNsequence unique to the tag, in an operation 204, a non-coherent metricfor all chip×4 spaced hypotheses is calculated. In operations 206 and208, the coarse AFC hypothesis is incremented until the end of the smallppm range. In an operation 210, a data structure keeps track of thegreatest non-coherent metrics (e.g., coarse AFC value, chip×4 timinghypothesis, non-coherent metric value, etc.) In an operation 212,dedicated fingers are assigned based on the data structure. In anoperation 214, symbol cross products are created using current DBPSK andprevious DBPSK. An output of operation 214 can be a complex crossproduct from each dedicated finger. In an operation 216, frames areinterleaved and decoded. For any valid CRC, the payload can be sent to amedium access control (MAC) layer. In an operation 218, other slottiming hypothesis are tried. In an exemplary embodiment, coarse AFChypotheses associated with the most successful CRCs can be nominalstarting coarse AFC hypotheses.

FIG. 7 illustrates a tag receive data path depicting the tag'sdemodulation processing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Asshown, the one-bit complex samples are buffered in a sample buffer 220such that enough data is present to make reliable detection of validenergy. Exemplary values are provided in the sample buffer block 220.For example, one embodiment buffers 9 symbols. In alternativeembodiments, other values may be used. The samples may be input from theI channel and Q channel into this ping-pong buffer scheme at thesynchronous sample rate of chip×2 or 2 MHz. Alternatively, other ratesmay be used. At the fast asynchronous clock, these samples are used toexplore the various coarse AFC hypothesis. Based on the current coarseAFC hypothesis, time-tracking is performed at chip×4 resolution. Sincethe same timing reference is used to drive both the carrier frequencyand the sample clocks on both the AP and the tag, a coarse AFChypothesis with a known carrier frequency can uniquely map to a knownrate of time tracking.

The sample buffer 220 receives communication signals over the I channeland the Q channel. These signals are sent to time tracking logic 222 anddedicated fingers 234. The time tracking logic 222 also receives acoarse AFC hypothesis and the logic 222 may reset to zero at chip×4parity. The time tracking logic 222 can have two blocks, one withcounters initialized to zero for even chip×4 parity, and one withcounters initialized to midrange (i.e., 2^25) for odd chip×4 parity. Theoutput of time tracking logic 222 is provided to a block 224 in whichvirtual chip×4 phases are applied. Block 224 also can receive parityfrom an acquisition state machine. Automatic frequency control (AFC)rotation logic 226 is applied to an output of block 224.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the two blocks of timetracking logic 222 described with reference to FIG. 7. Stream 250 is acommunication stream with an even chip×4 parity. Stream 252 is acommunication stream with an odd chip×4 parity. FIG. 8 depicts thetime-tracking operation where each different shading represents adifferent chip×4 spaced sequence. Samples are either inserted orrepeated at a rate directly depending on which current AFC hypothesis isbeing explored, multiplied by a known ratio between the sample rate andthe carrier frequency. This can be used as a locked clock assumption tocollapse a 2-dimensional space down to a single dimension. The value Ndepicted has a fractional component which is book-kept to allow forsufficient time-tracking precision. A particular parity of the 4possible chip×4 phases is selected at a given time. The resultant chiprate sequence is then derotated in a 1-bit data path as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 depicts the functionality of the AFC (automatic frequencycontrol) rotation logic 226 of FIG. 7 which operates on one of the 4virtual chip×4 phases 224 at a given time. FIG. 9 depicts a one-bitderotation mechanism. This derotation mechanism is designed to undo theAFC rotation due to the relative carrier drift between the receiver andtransmitter for the postulated coarse AFC hypothesis. Since it's aone-bit transform (represented by the truth table illustrated above),the 90 degree resolution of the process is +/−45 degrees relative to thecontinuum of values of the phase due to the AFC drift from the relativeoscillator offset.

The AFC rotation logic 226 can also receive coarse AFC hypotheses as aninput. The PN despreading array 228 (FIG. 7) performs its despreadoperation for chip spaced hypothesis. The PN despreading array 228 mayreceive current coarse AFC hypotheses, timing parity, timing phase,spreading factor, and/or gold code selection as inputs. As the valuesare output for a given symbol, the sum is non-coherently accumulated forbetter metric reliability with the running sum stored in thenon-coherent accumulation buffer 230. The size of the buffer is based onthe number of despread elements. In an exemplary embodiment, the PNdispreading array 228 may have 256 despread elements such that a passthrough the sample buffer completes the non-coherent metric for 256hypotheses. Alternatively, other numbers of despread elements may beused, and the metric may be completed for other numbers of hypotheses. Asignal-to-noise ratio (SNR) metric may be used in transmission powercontrol of the tag and for power control feedback to the AP. Thehypotheses with the largest metrics are stored in a top N path datastructure 232 which is used to control the assignment of the dedicatedfingers 234. The top N paths can be N records including timinghypotheses, timing parity, coarse AFC hypotheses, etc.

FIG. 10 illustrates a dedicated communication finger. Each dedicatedfinger has access to each of the 4 phases of chip×4 samples with achip×4 selector 260 set as part of the parameters of the fingerassignment. Each finger has its own dedicated PN generator 262 and AFCgenerator 264 which is used to despread. The dedicated fingeraccumulates into the symbol accumulator 266 based on the coarse AFChypothesis, its chip×4 timing phase, the dependent variable oftime-tracking rate, and then outputs a complex variable every spreadingfactor number of clocks. The dedicated fingers 234 illustrated withreference to FIG. 7 can also receive inputs from the sample buffer 220,and a PN code selection.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the output from the dedicated fingers 234goes through a bit-width squeezer 236 that reduces the bit-widths forefficient storage in the frame buffer 238 without sacrificingperformance. The ouput from the bit-width squeezer 236 is provided tothe frame buffer 238, which may be a circular buffer mechanism whichallows for the general case of processing a 256 symbol frame as if thecurrent symbol is the last symbol of the frame. When frame timing isknown, this memory structure can support the specific processing of aframe with the known last symbol.

Frame buffer 238 outputs the hypothesized frames to the rest of thereceive chain. A cross product multiplication block 240 performs themultiplication of the current symbol with the complex conjugate of theprevious symbol which is the conventional metric for D-BPSKdemodulation. A residual frequency drift may cause the D-BPSKconstellation to be rotated by a fixed phase. The role of the fine AFCmultiply block 242 is to take a brute-force approach and try differentpossible phase rotations such that at least one fine AFC hypothesisyields a valid CRC as it passes through a de-interleaver and viterbidecoder 244. The fine AFC multiply block 242 can also receive fine AFChypotheses as inputs. The output from the de-interleaver and Viterbidecoder 244 is provided to a CRC checker 246. If the CRC is valid, thepayload is sent up to the MAC layer.

FIG. 11 depicts exemplary operations performed during access pointreceive processing. Additional, fewer, or different operations may beperformed depending on the embodiment. Further, the operations can beperformed in a different order than that which is described here. The APperforms a brute-force operation checking all possible chip×2 timinghypothesis, spreading factors, and access slots within spreadingfactors. This allows for uncoordinated access by the tag. Fortunately,since the AP is the master of frame-timing and AFC carrier reference(all tags can compensate both their carrier drift and sample clock tomeet the AP's timing), the processing burden on the AP is drasticallyreduced since the AP need not explore the dimensionality of coarse AFChypothesis or unknown frame timing.

The flowchart of FIG. 11 shows an example of the ordering of iteratingupon all possible chip×2 timing offset, spreading factors from the set[8192, 4096, . . . , 64], and access slot numbers for spreading factorsless than the maximum. The AP then performs the similar fine AFC searchthat the tag performs to allow for a small amount of frequency driftbetween the timing sources of the tag and the AP to occur since the lasttransaction. All valid CRCs are passed up to the MAC layer. Theflowchart of FIG. 11 illustrates the searching of a multi-dimensionalspace. In an outermost loop, all possible spreading factors aresearched. In an exemplary embodiment, there may be 8 spreading factors[64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192]. Alternatively, otherspreading factors and/or numbers of spreading factors may be used. In asecond loop, all possible sub-slots for a given spreading factor aresearched. For example, there may be 128 possible sub-slots for a 64 chipspreading factor and a single degenerate sub-slot for a 8192 chipspreading factor. In a third loop, all possible chip×2 timing phaseswithin a given sub-slot are searched. As described in more detail below,the various loops are illustrated by the arrows in FIG. 11.

In an operation 270, one coarse AFC value is used. In an exemplaryembodiment, the one coarse AFC value can be 0 since compensation isperformed by the tags. In an operation 272, a largest spreading factor(e.g., 8192) is used as a starting point. In alternative embodiments,the largest spreading factor may be larger or smaller than 8192. In anoperation 274, access slots are processed within a spreading factor.This process may be degenerate in the case in which there are 8192spreading factors. In an operation 276, despreading is performed for allchip×2 spaced hypotheses at the current spreading factor. For example,16,384 despread operations may be performed if the spreading factor hasa length of 8192. Despread is performed for all elements unless thespreading factor is less than the frame buffer number (e.g., 256). In anoperation 278, the spreading factor is reduced in half and processingcontinues. In an operation 280, a determination is made regardingwhether the spread factor has been reduced to 64. In alternativeembodiments, other predetermined values may be used. If the spreadfactor has not been reduced to 64 (or other predetermined value),processing continues at operation 276. If the spread factor has beenreduced to 64, the system waits for a next sample buffer to fill inoperation 282. Once the next sample buffer is filled in operation 282,control returns to operation 272. In an operation 284, a frame buffer ofdespread elements is obtained. In an exemplary embodiment, the framebuffer may be complete after 256 symbols are output from a single passby the PN despread array. In one embodiment, for a 256 stage PN despreadarray, a pass through may produce 256 timing hypotheses each having 256symbols. In alternative embodiments, the PN despread array may have moreor fewer stages. A cross product of the current despread DBPSK symbolwith the previous symbol is calculated in an operation 286. In oneembodiment, the cross product may involve 256 symbols for up to 256frames. Alternatively, other numbers of symbols and/or frames may beused. In an operation 288, the current frame is decoded and phasemultiplied based on the AFC hypothesis. In an operation 290, CRCs arechecked and for any valid CRC, the payload is sent out of the physicallayer (PHY) and up to the medium access control (MAC). As an example,the CRCs may be checked for 256 times the number of fine AFC hypothesisfor each pass of a 256 despread array. Upon completion of the processfor a given slot, the process is performed for a subsequent slot asillustrated by the arrow from block 282 to block 272.

FIG. 12 depicts an access point (AP) receive data path. Unlike the tag,an entire frame at the largest spreading factor may be stored in aping-pong buffer scheme in a sample buffer 300. This buffer scheme canbe a substantial amount of memory (e.g., 16.8 Mbits) and in at least oneembodiment, it may be stored in a dedicated off-chip memory device. Thesample buffer block 300 includes exemplary values. In alternativeembodiments, other values may be used. Unlike the tag, the time trackinglogic and the AFC rotation logic may not be used since the AP is themaster time reference. The sample buffer 300 passes frames to a PNdespreading array 302, which can perform brute force testing asdescribed previously herein. The PN despreading array 302 may include256 despread elements. Alternatively, any other number of despreadelements may be used. The PN despreading array 302 may also receivecurrent timing parity (which may be chip×2 resolution only), hypothesisphase, and/or spreading factor as inputs. An output from the PNdespreading array 302 is provided to a bit width squeezer 304. The bitwidth squeezer 304 reduces the size of the frames, which are then sentto a frame buffer 306. The frame buffer block 306 includes exemplaryvalues. In alternative embodiments, other values may be used. Dependingon the embodiment, the frame buffer 306 may also be stored in adedicated off-chip memory device. The rest of the system is similar tothe tag's receive processing where fine AFC hypothesis are iterated upon(operations 310 and 312) with all payloads with valid CRCs being passedup to the AP's MAC (operations 314 and 316). A non-coherent accumulation308 is used to determine an SNR metric such as signal strength for usein transmission power-control feedback to the tag.

FIG. 13 illustrates asynchronous initial tag transmit operations,including two types of interactions which result in data transfers fromthe tag to the AP. For purposes of illustration and discussion, slots320 represent tag slots and slots 322 represent access point slots.“Cold Start” is where the tag is coming into the system without anyrelevant state information and “warm start” is where the tag is aware ofthe system information such as slot timing and a reduced range of coarseAFC hypothesis to explore.

In the “Cold Start” scenario, the tag begins seeking access at aslot-asynchronous point in time. FIG. 13 depicts a time where the tagbegins attempting to acquire the broadcast channel when the AP isn'teven transmitting it (slot 1). Eventually, the tag's processing exploresthe valid coarse AFC hypothesis during a period of time that the AP istransmitting the broadcast frame. FIG. 13 depicts this occurring duringslot 2. At this point, the non-coherent energy metric causes a dedicatedfinger to explore the correct chip×4 timing and coarse AFC hypothesis.The finger with the correct hypothesis continually treats each newsymbol as the last symbol of the frame and pushes these hypothesizedframes through the receive chain where the CRC check indicates failure.At the end of slot 4, the valid frame timing is achieved as the CRCcheck indicates success. At this point, the tag has the same relevantstate information that a tag entering at a “warm-start” would have andcontinues to complete the same processing that a “warm-start” tag wouldundergo.

A tag enters the interaction depicted in slot 6 (“Warm Start”) either bya transition through a “Cold Start” procedure or directly upon tagwake-up if relevant state information is appropriately maintained. Atthis point, the tag makes a measurement of the received strength of thebroadcast frame and uses this information to determine the transmitpower and spreading factor that the tag subsequently transmits at inslot 7. The tag transmits it's message based on: 1) using the measuredreceived broadcast channel signal strength and selecting the minimumspreading factor that can be used to close the link, which minimizes thetag's on time and is best for minimizing power consumption; 2) using themeasured received broadcast channel signal strength and the formerlyselected spreading factor, the tag transmits at the optimality conditionof reception at the AP which is that all user's are received by the APat very similar values of energy per bit to spectral noise density ratio(Eb/No); 3) for all but the maximum spreading factor, randomly selectingthe slot access parameter j; and 4) randomly selecting the chip offsetvalue from 0 to spreading factor −1 such that “collisions” at the AP areminimized and random selection at each transmission allows “collisions”to be resolved in subsequent transmission opportunities.

During slots 8 and 9, the AP processes all the signals received duringslot 7 and sends a positive acknowledgement back during slot 10. The APeither aggregates several ACKs into a single channel characterized by agold code, or sends a dedicated message to the tag using its dedicatedgold code channel. Note that the former method requires someregistration procedure (not shown) to assign the channel. In eithercase, the tag updates its chip×4 timing using the preamble of themessage.

FIG. 14 illustrates a simple interaction between an access point and atag in a slotted mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the simpleinteraction involves no data for the tag and a relatively staticchannel. For purposes of illustration and discussion, timeline 330represents tag processing during the slots and timeline 332 representsaccess point processing during slots. The nature of the system is thatthe tag spends a maximum possible time in a low-power state—a statewhere system timing is maintained via a low-power, low-frequency crystaloscillator which is typically 32 kHz. To support this, a maximumtolerable latency upon AP initiated interaction is identified (i.e.,this is the rate cycling in and out of the low power state for the tagto check if any AP action is pending). FIG. 14 shows the relativelysimple interaction of a tag coming out of it's low power state to checkif the AP is wanting to initiate a transaction. This occurs at a slotphase and rate agreed upon between the AP and the tag duringregistration.

The tag would typically enter a “warm start” where the frame timing andcoarse AFC hypothesis are known to within a tight range. The tag makes ameasurement of the received broadcast channel power. FIG. 14 shows thescenario where that power has not changed considerably since the lastinteraction with the AP. This means that the last transmitpower/spreading factor that the AP transmitted at is sufficient to closethe link. In slot 3, the tag attempts to acquire on the preamble andthen demodulate the frame using its dedicated gold code. A typicalscenario is the AP not having sent information and the tag immediatelygoes back to sleep.

FIG. 15 depicts a more complicated interaction which involves datatransfer and dynamically changing propagation between an access pointand a tag according to an exemplary embodiment. For purposes ofillustration and discussion, timeline 340 represents tag processingduring the slots and timeline 342 represents access point (AP)processing during the slots. Here, the AP has information to send andthe propagation of the channel has changed considerably since the lastAP transaction. The current broadcast channel power measurement haschanged such that the tag knows that the subsequent transmission wouldnot be appropriate if it transmits at the same transmit power/spreadingfactor as last time. Thus, the tag will send a re-registration messageusing the protocol explained in FIG. 13 to alert the AP to use a newtransmit power/spreading factor appropriate to the current channelconditions. The new information governs the transmission and receptionof the frame occurring in slot N+5. The tag generates an acknowledgement(ACK) message governed by the protocol of FIG. 13 to indicate asuccessful transmission. If the ACK is successfully received, thetransaction is considered complete. Otherwise, the tag attempts aretransmission.

In one embodiment, the air interface utilized by the systems describedherein can be a half duplex time division multiplexed frame format. Theaccess point can transmit for a portion of the time in the downlinkdirection to the tag, and the tag can transmit for a portion of the timein the uplink direction to the access point. The time allocation betweenthe uplink slot and the downlink slot may be equal (i.e., 50% of thetime is allocated to the uplink slot and 50% of the time is allocated tothe downlink slot). The frame structure can be centered about a slotstructure whose format numerics can be based on a maximum supporteduplink spreading factor. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximumspreading factor at the uplink can be that which allows the tag tosuccessfully transmit to the access point when the tag is under the mostchallenging transmit conditions based on weather, location, etc.

In general, use of a large spreading factor can allow a giventransmitter such as a tag to transmit with less power while still beingable to be received by a given receiver such as an access point.However, use of a large spreading factor can also increase the time thatit takes to transmit a signal. In an exemplary embodiment, the tag maybroadcast at a lower power than that used by the access point. As such,the spreading factor of the uplink signal can be selected as largeenough such that the signal transmitted by the tag can be received bythe access point even when the tag is physically located in achallenging location and/or under challenging transmission conditions.The access point may transmit with more power than the tag. As a result,if the uplink (i.e., tag to access point) transmissions and downlink(i.e., access point to tag) transmissions are given equal amounts oftime on the band in which to transmit, the access point can use asmaller spreading factor than the tag. Since the access point signalsare not as widely spread, the access point can transmit in a pluralityof fundamental downlink slots in the same amount of time as the tagtransmits in a single slot. In one embodiment, the access point cantransmit at a constant power at or near the maximum RF transmit poweravailable. If the link between the access point and a given tag isrobust, a reduced spreading factor can be used for that tag. Robustnessof the link can be determined based on a comparison of the link to apredetermined quality threshold. Because the lower spreading factortakes less total time to transmit, the tag can open its receive widowfor a relatively short period of time, thereby minimizing powerconsumption of the tag.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating contents of a complete slot 400 inaccordance with a first exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG.16, the access point can transmit with more power and use a smallerspreading factor as compared to the tag. For example, the access pointmay use a spreading factor of 2048 and the tag may use a spreadingfactor of 8192. Alternatively, other values may be used. Complete slot400 includes a downlink slot 402, a downlink to uplink gap 404, anuplink slot 406, and an uplink to downlink gap 408. In an exemplaryembodiment, downlink to uplink gap 404 may be 15 symbols at the maximumuplink spreading factor (which may be 8192 in one embodiment).Alternatively, any other length downlink to uplink gap may be used.Downlink to uplink gap 404 can be used to ensure a downlink to uplinkratio of 50%. Downlink to uplink gap 404 can also be used to provide tagreceiver to transmitter turnaround processing time. In another exemplaryembodiment, uplink to downlink gap 408 may be 1 symbol at the maximumuplink spreading factor. Alternatively, any other length uplink todownlink gap may be used. Uplink to downlink gap 408 can be used tosupport random phase multiple access (RPMA) for a given spreadingfactor. As such, a smaller uplink to downlink gap can be used withsmaller spreading factors.

Because the access point may use a smaller spreading factor than thetag, the downlink slot can include a plurality of fundamental downlinkslots. Downlink slot 402 includes a fundamental downlink slot 410, afundamental downlink slot 412, a fundamental downlink slot 414, and afundamental downlink slot 416. Each of the fundamental downlink slotsincludes a broadcast preamble 418, a data slot or subslot(s) 420, and abroadcast slot 422. In an exemplary embodiment, broadcast preamble 418can be 16 symbols. Alternatively, any other length may be used.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating contents of a complete slot 430 inaccordance with a second exemplary embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG.17, the access point can transmit with the same power as used by thetag. As such, the same spreading factor may also be used by the accesspoint and the tag. For example, the access point and the tag may bothuse a maximum spreading factor of 8192. Alternatively, other values maybe used. Complete slot 430 includes a downlink slot 432, a downlink touplink gap 434, an uplink slot 436, and an uplink to downlink gap 438.In an exemplary embodiment, downlink to uplink gap 434 may be 15symbols×8192 chips. Alternatively, any other length downlink to uplinkgap may be used. In another exemplary embodiment, uplink to downlink gap438 may be 1 symbol×8192 chips. Alternatively, any other length uplinkto downlink gap may be used. Because the access point uses the samespreading factor as the tag, downlink slot 432 includes a singlefundamental downlink slot 440. Fundamental downlink slot 440 includes abroadcast preamble 442, a data slot or subslot(s) 444, and a broadcastslot 446.

FIG. 18 illustrates a fundamental downlink slot 450 in accordance withan exemplary embodiment. Fundamental downlink slot 450 includes abroadcast preamble 452, a broadcast channel slot 454, and a data channelslot 456. Broadcast preamble 452 can be 16 symbols long, or any otherlength depending on the embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment,broadcast channel slot 454 can include a single broadcast channel frame.In one embodiment, the broadcast channel frame can be identical increation to a data channel frame with the exception that the broadcastchannel gold code generator may reset every symbol whereas the datachannel gold code generator may run until the end of the data channelframe before resetting.

In an exemplary embodiment, broadcast preamble 452 can be boostedrelative to other transmissions made using broadcast channel slot 454 ordata slot 456. As an example, broadcast preamble 452 can be transmittedat a maximum power (P_(max)), and other transmissions can be made at onehalf of the maximum power (½ P_(max)). In one embodiment, broadcastpreamble 452 can be boosted by 3 decibels (dB) relative to othertransmissions via broadcast channel slot 454 and/or data slot 456.Alternatively, broadcast preamble 452 may be boosted by any otheramount. The boosted preamble allows receivers at the tags to robustlyestimate chip timing and AFC/time tracking with reference to the accesspoint. The payload of broadcast preamble 452 can be programmable. In oneembodiment, no channel coding, interleaving, or cyclic redundancy check(CRC) may be applied to the payload of broadcast preamble 452.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating preamble frame processing inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. A 16-bit register 460 canprovide symbols to a modulator 462 for modulation. Alternatively, anyother length register may be used. Modulator 462 can output modulatedsymbols at a symbol rate. Modulator 462 can be a differential binaryphase shift keying (DBPSK) modulator, or any other type of modulatorknown to those of skill in the art. As a result, each symbol ofbroadcast preamble 452 can be modulated, spread with the maximumdownlink spreading factor, and boosted for transmission. In an exemplaryembodiment, broadcast preamble 452 may be boosted by ensuring that noother data is transmitted during transmission of broadcast preamble 452.For example, broadcast preamble 452 may be broadcast at P_(max) throughbroadcast channel slot 454 and data channel slot 456 may be turned offwhile broadcast preamble 452 is being broadcast. In one embodiment,broadcast preamble 452 can be transmitted on one of an I channel or a Qchannel. Broadcast preamble 452 can be multiplied by a scale factor of 1such that broadcast preamble 452 is transmitted at full power. Whenbroadcast preamble 452 is not being broadcast, an attenuating scalefactor can be used such that data is transmitted at less than fullpower. In one embodiment, the attenuating scale factor can be 1/√2,resulting in a 3 dB attenuation. In an alternative embodiment, the scalefactor may not altered. In such an embodiment, broadcast preamble 452can be transmitted on both the I channel and the Q channel such thatbroadcast preamble 452 is transmitted at full power.

Referring again to FIG. 18, data channel slot 456 may contain a singledata channel frame. Alternatively, data channel slot 456 may contain aplurality of data channel frames in a single fundamental downlink slotsuch as fundamental downlink slot 450. As a result, data channel slot456 of fundamental downlink slot 450 can include a plurality ofsub-slots corresponding to the plurality of data channel frames (i.e.,one sub-slot for each frame). In an exemplary embodiment, the spreadingfactor of data channel slot 456 can be the same as the spreading factorof broadcast channel slot 454. In another exemplary embodiment, thespreading factor of data channel sub-slots can be less than thespreading factor of broadcast channel slot 454.

In one embodiment, multiple data channel sub-slots can be created byusing smaller spreading factors than those used with either a full size(i.e., single) data channel slot or with the broadcast channel slot.FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a data sub-slot hierarchy inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 20, if aspreading factor of 8192 and a 39 dB gain are used, the data channelincludes a single data channel slot A_(0,0). If a spreading factor of4096 and a 36 dB gain are used, the data channel slot includes twosub-slots A_(1,0) and A_(1,1). Similarly, if a spreading factor of 16and a 12 dB gain are used, the data channel slot includes 512 sub-slotsA_(9,0) . . . A_(9,511), and so on.

FIG. 21A illustrates a fundamental downlink slot 470 with a plurality ofsub-slots in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 21A, sub-slots of different sizes can be combined to form the datachannel slot. The plurality of sub-slots includes a sub-slot A_(4,0), asub-slot A_(4,1), a sub-slot A_(5,4), and a sub-slot A_(6,10). Inalternative embodiments, other combinations of sub-slots may be used. Abroadcast channel slot 472 of fundamental downlink slot 470 can have aspreading factor of 2048. Alternatively, other values may be used. A tagor other receiving device can turn on its receiver to listen to one ormore of these sub-slots as appropriate. FIG. 21B illustrates afundamental downlink slot 480 with a single slot A_(0,0) in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. A broadcast channel slot 482 offundamental downlink slot 480 can have a spreading factor of 8192.Alternatively, other values may be used.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating operations performed to constructa frame in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In alternativeembodiments, additional, fewer, or different operations may beperformed. Further, the use of flow diagrams herein is not meant to belimiting with respect to the order of operations performed. The framecan be for use in a data channel slot and/or a broadcast channel slot.In an operation 500, a frame base is generated. In an exemplaryembodiment, the frame base can be an 88-bit payload. Alternatively,other numbers of bits may be used. In an operation 502, a cyclicredundancy check (CRC) is appended to the frame base. In an exemplaryembodiment, the CRC can be 32 bits, resulting in a frame of 120 bits.Alternatively, other values may be used. In an operation 504, tail bitsare added to the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, 8 tail bits can beadded, resulting in a raw frame of 128 bits. Alternatively, a differentnumber of tail bits may be used. In one embodiment, each of the tailbits can have a value of zero. Alternatively, any or all of the tailbits may have a non-zero value. In an operation 506, the raw frame isconvolution encoded. The convolution encoding can be performed at a rateof ½, or any other value depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment,an output of the convolution encoder used to perform the convolutionencoding can be 256 bits.

In an operation 508, the bits of the frame are symbol interleaved. Inone embodiment, the bits can be interleaved with a strict bit reversedinterleaver which utilizes bit reversed addressing. As an example, in aframe buffer containing 256 symbols, the interleaver input addressingcan be linear, from 0 thru 255. Each address can be 8 bits. Theinterleaver can take data at a particular address, and put it in a newposition in an output frame buffer. The output address can be a bitreversed ordering of the input address. For example, the symbol ataddress 15 (00001111b) can be placed in address 240 (11000b). In anillustrative embodiment, each interleaver input address can be bitreversed to form an output address. In an operation 510, the bits of theframe are modulated. The modulation can be DBPSK modulation.Alternatively, any other type of modulation may be used. The bits canalso be spread with a spreading factor based at least in part on theslot size.

In one embodiment, a complex data stream can be created to minimizebandwidth usage. The data channel can exist on a real component of thecomplex data stream and the broadcast channel can exist on an imaginarycomponent of the complex data stream, or vice versa. FIG. 23 is adiagram illustrating a downlink transmission model in accordance with anexemplary embodiment. A data frame can be constructed by a data frameprocessor 520, a broadcast frame can be constructed by a broadcast frameprocessor 522, and a broadcast preamble frame can be constructed by abroadcast preamble frame processor 524. The data frame, broadcast frame,and/or broadcast preamble frame can be constructed in accordance withthe operations described with reference to FIG. 22. Alternatively,different operations may be performed to construct the frames.

The data frame is provided to a PN spreader 526 for spreading. PNspreader 526 can receive a frame boundary input to reset PN spreader526, a user key input to initialize a state of PN spreader 526, and anenable data input to enable PN spreader 526. For example, the frameboundary input can be an indication that a frame is beginning or endingsuch that the PN/gold code used by PN spreader 526 is reset for eachdata frame. The user key input can be tied to a tag identification of atag which is located in a network of the access point. The user keyinput (or tag identification) can directly affect the PN/gold codegenerated, and can allow the tag to decode messages that are targetedfor the tag in the downlink. In one embodiment, each frame generated bythe access point can be based on a particular user key (or tagidentification). The enable data input can window the data channelframe. The enable data input can stay high for the duration of theframe, and may span multiple frames during a downlink slot. In oneembodiment, PN spreader 526 can run as long as the enable data input ishigh. An output of PN spreader 526 can be used as the real component ofthe complex data stream. Alternatively, the output of PN spreader 526may be used as the imaginary component of the complex data stream.

The broadcast frame and the broadcast preamble frame are provided to aselector 528 for provision of one of the broadcast frame or thebroadcast preamble frame to a PN spreader 530. Selector 528 can receivea preamble enable input to control whether PN spreader 530 receives datafrom broadcast frame processor 522 or preamble frame processor 524.Pseudo-noise spreader 530 can receive a symbol boundary input to resetPN spreader 530, a broadcast key input to initialize a state of PNspreader 530, and an enable broadcast input to enable PN spreader 530.For example, the symbol boundary input can be an indication that asymbol is beginning or ending such that the gold/PN code used by PNspreader 530 is reset for each symbol. Resetting the gold/PN code aftereach symbol can make it easier for the tag to acquire the signalbroadcast from the access point. Also, by resetting the gold/PN code onevery symbol of the broadcast frame, the code space that the tag has tosearch is reduced. The broadcast key input can be common for a givennetwork, and can directly affect the gold/PN code sequence that isgenerated. As an example, different access point networks may havedifferent broadcast channel keys which are used as networkidentifications. The enable broadcast input can stay high for theduration of the symbol, and PN spreader 530 can run as long as theenable broadcast input remains high. An output of PN spreader 530 can beused as the imaginary component of the complex data stream.Alternatively, the output of PN spreader 530 may be used as the realcomponent of the complex data stream.

An output of PN spreader 526 and an output of PN spreader 530 can beprovided to an up-sampler 532. In one embodiment, up-sampler 532 canup-sample the received signals to 26 MHz. Alternatively, 40 MHz or anyother amount of up-sampling may be performed. Up-sampler 532 has apreamble enable input and a data enable input. The preamble enable inputcan be activated when selector 528 provides the broadcast preamble frameto PN spreader 530 and the data enable input can be activated whenselector 528 provides the broadcast frame to PN spreader 530. In anexemplary embodiment, activation of the preamble enable input can causethe broadcast preamble to be boosted on the broadcast channel (which canbe the imaginary component of the complex data stream). In oneembodiment, polyphase filter taps can incorporate a 1/√(2) gain on thebroadcast preamble (or a 1/√(2) attenuation on transmissions other thanthe broadcast preamble). Activation of the preamble enable input canalso turn off the data channel such that the real component of thecomplex data stream does not broadcast simultaneously with the broadcastpreamble. Activation of the data enable input can cause the broadcastframe to be transmitted on the imaginary component of the complex datastream simultaneously with the data frame on the real component of thecomplex data stream. As such, when the data enable input is activated,up-sampler 532 can receive the data frame and the broadcast frame.Alternatively, the broadcast preamble may be transmitted on the realcomponent of the complex data stream. In another alternative embodiment,the broadcast preamble may be boosted by simultaneously transmitting thebroadcast preamble on both components of the complex data stream.

If the broadcast preamble is being transmitted, up-sampler 532 canprovide the up-sampled broadcast preamble to a converter 534. Converter534 can convert the broadcast preamble from digital to analog fortransmission on one or both components of the complex data stream. Ifthe broadcast frame and data frame are being transmitted, up-sampler 532can provide the up-sampled data frame to converter 534 on the realcomponent (i.e., I channel) of the complex data stream and theup-sampled broadcast frame to converter 534 on the imaginary component(i.e., Q channel) of the complex data stream, or vice versa. Converter534 can convert the data frame and the broadcast frame from digital toanalog for transmission. Converter 534 can also provide the data frameand the broadcast frame to an RF up-converter 536 for combination intothe single complex data stream for bandwidth savings duringtransmission. Radio frequency up-converter 536 can be part of the RFchip. In one embodiment, the I data stream (real component) and the Qdata stream (imaginary component) can be independently differentiallybinary phase shift keyed. As a result, bandwidth can be conserved as thebroadcast channel does not have to occupy a side channel.

In one embodiment, to preserve downlink bandwidth, the broadcast channelmay be partially or fully utilized as an acknowledgment (ACK) channel.In such an embodiment, each bit of the broadcast frame payload (i.e., upto 88 in one embodiment) can represent an ACK bit or anon-acknowledgement (NACK) bit. After network registration, the tag canhave knowledge of which bit of the broadcast frame payload correspondsto an ACK channel for the tag. As a result, the broadcast channel can beused as a multi-tag ACK channel, and the access point can transmitmultiple acknowledgements in a single fundamental downlink slot.

In an alternative embodiment, the access point may send outacknowledgements serially to a plurality of tags, and the tags may notknow in which sub-slot its ACK is located. In such an embodiment, theACKs may be transmitted on the data channel. As the tag may not know thesub-slot of its ACK, the tag can utilize non-deterministic frameprocessing to identify the ACK. In one embodiment, the tag can keep itsreception window open for a plurality of sub-slots until the ACK isreceived. As an example, the access point may decode transmissions froma first tag and a second tag in the same sub-slot with the samespreading factor. If the downlink is TDMA, the access point can seriallysend out a first ACK to the first tag and a second ACK to the second tagusing the data channel. The first tag and the second tag can each keeptheir respective receive windows open until the respective ACK isreceived or until the end of the downlink slot of the complete frame.

In one embodiment, the access point may transmit acknowledgements and/orother information to tags serially, with only one acknowledgement orother information transmitted during a given transmission slot of theaccess point. In such an embodiment, a tag may have to wait more thanone slot to receive the acknowledgement or other information. As anexample with acknowledgements, three tags may transmit to an accesspoint during a first transmission slot. The access point may transmit afirst acknowledgement to the first tag during a second transmissionslot, a second acknowledgement to the second tag during a thirdtransmission slot, and a third acknowledgement to the third tag during afourth transmission slot. As such, the third tag has to wait severaltransmission slots prior to receiving the third acknowledgement. If thethird tag is not still waiting during the fourth transmission slot, thethird tag may not receive the third acknowledgment, and may have toretransmit the original message to the access point. In one embodiment,the tags may not know which transmission slot, if any, will includetheir acknowledgement or other information. As such, tags can beconfigured to wait a predetermined number of transmission slots based ona probability that multiple tags will transmit to the access pointduring a given slot. As an example, in a given system, it may be highlyimprobable that four tags will transmit to the access point during asingle transmission slot. As such, the tags may be configured to wait nomore than three transmission slots of the access point for anacknowledgement or other information before retransmitting the originalmessage to the access point. In alternative embodiments, the tags may beconfigured to wait any other number of slots for an acknowledgement orother information.

In an exemplary embodiment, individual tags can be communicated to inthe downlink direction in a time division multiple access (TDMA) scheme.As such, each tag may receive one frame worth of data channel data in agiven complete slot duration. The data channel data can be decoded bythe tag with a unique gold code key specific to the tag. For increasedbandwidth or for specific quality of service (QoS) scenarios, the tagmay receive multiple sub-slot allocations in a complete slot duration.The tag can use back-to-back decoding to decode the data from themultiple sub-slots. Details of the bandwidth management can be handledby the medium access control (MAC) layer.

The uplink frame structure can be an aggregation of multiple tag datachannel transmissions. Depending on link conditions, tags may transmitwith a plurality of different spreading factors. In one embodiment, thespreading factor may be as low as 16 and as high as 8192. Alternatively,other spreading factor limits may be used. The uplink slot can bepartitioned into sub-slots in the same way as the downlink slot asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. A difference in the uplinkcan be the way in which multiple access is achieved. In the downlink,multiple access can be achieved as described above through time divisionmultiple access. In the uplink, multiple tag transmissions may be ableto occupy the same sub-slot. In such an embodiment, the ability of theaccess point to discriminate among a plurality of tags can be realizedthrough a technique called random phase multiple access (RPMA).

Random phase multiple access can be based on a common gold code sequencemapped to a given spreading factor. For example, all tags transmittingwith a spreading factor of 256 can use the same gold code regardless ofsub-slot location within the uplink slot. Because of the correlationproperties of the gold code, the receiver at the access point candiscriminate among a plurality of different tags as long as each taguses a different chip offset. When two or more tags compete for atransmission sub-slot, frame collisions can occur if the randomly chosensub-slot and the randomly chosen chip offset are the same. Such anoccurrence can be identified by the lack of an acknowledgement responsefrom the access point at the tag. If the tag does not receive theacknowledgement response, the tag can randomly select a new sub-slot anda new gold code chip offset. The tag can retransmit using the newsub-slot and new chip offset, thereby minimizing the likelihood of asubsequent conflict.

In one embodiment, the systems described herein may also be used wheremultiple access points are present and/or where multiple micro-repeatersare broadcasting on the same channel. In such a system, a random timingoffset may be introduced to the downlink spreading system. Each devicethat transmits on the same channel with the same pseudo-noise (PN) codecan use a different random or pseudo-random timing offset into the PNcode. As such, receiving devices such as tags can distinguish themultiple transmitters by de-spreading using the appropriate offset intothe PN code.

It is important to understand that any of the embodiments describedherein may be implemented as computer-readable instructions stored on acomputer-readable medium. Upon execution by a processor, thecomputer-readable instructions can cause a computing device to performoperations to implement any of the embodiments described herein.

The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise formdisclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teachings or may be acquired from practice of the presentinvention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explainthe principles of the present invention and its practical application toenable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. In addition, one or more flow diagrams wereused herein. The use of flow diagrams is not intended to be limitingwith respect to the order in which operations are performed.

1. A method for conserving bandwidth in a communication system, themethod comprising: spreading a data frame using a first pseudo-noise(PN) spreader; spreading a broadcast frame using a second PN spreader;generating a complex data stream having a first component and a secondcomponent, wherein the data frame is assigned to the first component andthe broadcast frame is assigned to the second component, and wherein thefirst component comprises a real component of the complex data streamand the second component comprises an imaginary component of the complexdata stream; and transmitting the complex data stream to a tag.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the broadcast frame includes a payload with aplurality of bits, wherein one or more of the plurality of bits isutilized to convey an acknowledgement to the tag.
 3. The method of claim2, wherein at least one of the plurality of bits is dedicated to the tagfor providing the acknowledgement.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: spreading a preamble with one of the first PN spreader orthe second PN spreader; boosting the preamble such that the preamble isbroadcast at a higher power than the broadcast frame or the data frame;and transmitting the preamble to the tag.
 5. The method of claim 4,further comprising turning off a data channel during transmission of thepreamble, wherein the preamble is transmitted on a broadcast channel. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the data frame and the broadcast frameare spread with a spreading factor, and further wherein the spreadingfactor is based at least in part on a quality of a link with the tag. 7.The method of claim 6, further comprising using a reduced spreadingfactor if the quality of the link satisfies a quality threshold suchthat a transmission time is minimized.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a first transmission from the tag and a secondtransmission from a second tag; and serially transmitting, in responseto the first transmission and the second transmission, first informationto the tag and second information to the second tag, wherein the tag andthe second tag are unaware of an order in which the first informationand the second information are transmitted.
 9. An access pointcomprising: a processor configured to spread a data frame using a firstpseudo-noise (PN) spreader; spread a broadcast frame using a second PNspreader; and generate a complex data stream having a first componentand a second component, wherein the data frame is assigned to the firstcomponent and the broadcast frame is assigned to the second component,and wherein the first component comprises a real component of thecomplex data stream and the second component comprises an imaginarycomponent of the complex data stream; and a transmitter operativelycoupled to the processor and configured to transmit the complex datastream to a tag.
 10. The access point of claim 9, further comprising aradio frequency (RF) up-converter, wherein processor uses the RFup-converter to generate the complex data stream.
 11. The access pointof claim 9, wherein the broadcast frame includes a payload with aplurality of bits, wherein one or more of the plurality of bits isutilized to convey an acknowledgement to the tag.
 12. The access pointof claim 11, wherein at least one of the plurality of bits is dedicatedto the tag for providing the acknowledgement.
 13. The access point ofclaim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to spread apreamble with one of the first PN spreader or the second PN spreader;and boost the preamble such that the preamble is broadcast at a higherpower than the broadcast frame or the data frame.
 14. The access pointof claim 9, wherein the data frame is spread with a spreading factor,and further wherein the spreading factor is based at least in part on aquality of a link with the tag.
 15. A computer-readable medium havingcomputer-readable instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by aprocessor, cause an access point to: spread a data frame using a firstpseudo-noise (PN) spreader; spread a broadcast frame using a second PNspreader; and generate a complex data stream having a first componentand a second component, wherein the data frame is assigned to the firstcomponent and the broadcast frame is assigned to the second component,and wherein the first component comprises a real component of thecomplex data stream and the second component comprises an imaginarycomponent of the complex data stream; and transmit the complex datastream to a tag.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15, whereinthe computer-readable instructions further cause the access point totransmit a preamble on the first component and the second component ofthe complex data stream such that the preamble is transmitted withhigher power than the data frame.
 17. The computer-readable medium ofclaim 15, wherein the computer-readable instructions further cause theaccess point to transmit a preamble on a broadcast channel of thecomplex data stream, wherein the broadcast channel corresponds to thesecond component of the complex data stream.
 18. The computer-readablemedium of claim 17, wherein the computer-readable instructions furthercause the access point to apply a scaling factor of 1/√(2) to thebroadcast frame such that the broadcast frame is transmitted with lesspower than the preamble.
 19. The computer-readable medium of claim 15,wherein the broadcast frame includes a payload with a plurality of bits,and further wherein one or more of the plurality of bits is utilized toconvey an acknowledgement to the tag.